---
title: Import problems
summary: What the Demos screen's messages mean, and how to get an import that stopped going again.
url: https://lanternwp.com/docs/import-problems
updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Import problems

## "The demos could not be loaded from lanternwp.com"

The Demos screen could not reach lanternwp.com. The message ends with the reason your server gave. Select **Try again**. If it keeps failing, your host may block outgoing connections from WordPress; ask them to allow requests to lanternwp.com.

## "Needs LanternWP … or later. Update the theme first."

The demo was built with a newer version of the theme than your site has. Update the theme in **Dashboard → Updates**, then import.

## "The import stopped: … Try again to continue where it stopped."

The message names what failed. Select **Try again**: the import continues from where it stopped, and files it already downloaded intact are not downloaded again. Common reasons:

- The connection to lanternwp.com dropped during a download. Try again.
- The server ran out of time or memory. Try again; if it stops at the same place, ask your host to raise PHP's memory limit and maximum execution time.

## "The LanternWP theme, or a child theme of it, must be active."

Activate LanternWP, or a child theme of it, in **Appearance → Themes**, then import.

## "WooCommerce must be active."

Activate WooCommerce in **Plugins**, then import.

## "No import is running. Choose a demo to start again."

There is no import to continue. Choose the demo and import it again.

Still stuck? See [Get help](get-help.md).